03/28/2024
Spread the love

TABOR CITY – Four East Bladen Eagles – Garrett Melvin, Jay McKoy, Chase Starkloff and Jacob Priest – and two West Bladen Knights – Jordan Underwood and Oswaldo Gonzalez – have been named to the Three Rivers Conference All-Conference Men’s Soccer Team.

Melvin, a senior striker, was named the Three Rivers Player of the Year and racked up 26 goals, 11 assists and 132 steals in just 11 games and recorded 6 ‘Hat Tricks’ of 3 goals in a single game.

McKoy, a senior centerback, helped anchor a backline that racked up 50 shutouts over the past 4 years while posting a 65-11-3 record. During that time the Eagle defense claimed 3 conference championships and only gave up 19 goals in league play. McKoy totaled 213 steals for the season.

“Jay turned into one of the best defenders to come through our program,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “He is relentless and tough. Jay loves to defend and takes it personal when someone is coming down his side. He is the fastest and most athletic kid I have ever coached. I have seen him out jump 6-3 guys or run guys down and take the ball away after getting beat or falling down.”

Starkloff

Starkloff, a junior centerback, posted 218 steals this season and was also a key part of the 3 conference titles and the 65-11-3 record and only giving up 19 goals in league play during his Eagle career.

“Chase returning will be huge for us next year because he knows what it takes to play in the back in our three back system,” said Raynor. “His leadership grew this year and I only expect it to be even greater in the offseason. Wherever he is on the field, he is going to be a great leader and work hard the entire time.”

Priest

Priest  a senior goalie, set the career shutout record at East Bladen earning his 40th in the Eagles 1st round at Roanoke Rapids. His career goals against average is .411, and he has a 44-7-2 record in goal.

“Jacob will step away from the program as one of the best to ever play between the pipes,” said Raynor. “He stepped up as a sophomore when we lost Spencer Scott to a broken arm and he never looked back. That helped grow his confidence and got him lots of experience. That experience paid off and he had an amazing senior year to cap off an amazing career.”

Underwood

Underwood, a sophomore, led West Bladen in goals this season and totaled 15 steals. “Jordan has always worked hard to get better and has never missed a practice,” said Knight Coach Cesar Gonzalez. “Overall Jordan is a great student-athlete. I am looking forward to continue working with him in the seasons to come.”

Freshman goalie Gonzalez recorded 44 saves this season. “Oswaldo led the conference with 44 saves,” said Coach Gonzalez. “He helped the team as much as he could. His work ethic throughout the season progressed as his confidence increased. I am proud of both of these young men.”

Gonzalez

Receiving All-Conference Honorable Mention from East Bladen were: senior Will Hester (233 steals and 9 assists), senior Freddy Wooten (173 steals), sophomore Malcolm Bolden (6 goals, 91 steals), senior Drew Sholar (130 steals) and senior Jackson Bostic (184 steals).

Receiving All-Conference Honorable Mention from West Bladen were: senior Albert Reyes (29 steals), sophomore Christian Sandoval (16 steals) and sophomore Josh DeLeon (15 steals).

About Author